​Physical Literacy

 

The Face of PE is changing in Irish Schools. Today, just like we learn number and letter sounds, students on our schools learn Physical Literacy – The building blocks for Movement. There are 15 fundamental movement skills for an Irish context and these are given 3 categories – Locomotor, Stability and Manipulative. Physical Literacy is said to be the Knowledge of these skills, the confidence to apply and improve these skills and the Motivation to use these skills in a range of different settings. We get to choose the sport or activity we want and go for it.

 

Unfortunately, at the moment in Ireland, children are not getting enough exercise. Less than ¼ of Irish 9-year-olds get the recommended minimum amount of 1 hour per day. This is according to a study conducted by Trinity College Dublin called “The Growing up in Ireland Survey”

 

Fortunately, in our school, we take PE seriously! We learn each of the 15 Fundamental Movement skills once between infants and 2nd class and once again between 3rd class and 6th class. We then get loads of yard time to practice and apply what we learned. We are then told about clubs available in our communities so we can take control of our Physical lives and live a healthy active life